Backflow prevention apparatus and method

Abstract

A backflow prevention system and apparatus is disclosed. The system includes a pipe designed to couple to a washer. The backflow prevention apparatus includes a housing and two one-way valves. The housing secured to the pipe. A first one-way valve is coupled to the housing, with the first one-way valve defining a first cross-slit. A second one-way valve is coupled to the housing and spaced from the first one-way valve, with the second one-way valve defining a second cross-slit. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are designed to allow fluid flow, through the housing, in a first direction and prevent flow of suds, foam, gas, or combinations thereof in a second direction opposite the first direction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A backflow prevention apparatus comprising:
 a housing configured to secure to a pipe;   a first one-way valve coupled to the housing, with the first one-way valve comprising a first cross-slit; and   a second one-way valve coupled to the housing and spaced from the first one-way valve, with the second one-way valve comprising a second cross-slit,   the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve being configured to allow fluid flow in a first direction, though the housing, and prevent flow of suds, foam, gas, or combinations thereof in a second direction opposite the first direction.   
     
     
         2 . The backflow prevention apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross-slit and the second cross slit are oriented at an angle relative to one another. 
     
     
         3 . The backflow prevention apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the angle is approximately 45 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The backflow prevention apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve each comprise a flexible material that permits bending in the first direction and substantially prevents bending in the second direction. 
     
     
         5 . The backflow prevention apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve each have an outer portion that projects from the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The backflow prevention apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross-slit and the second cross-slit both extend across an entire inner diameter of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . A backflow prevention system comprising:
 a pipe configured to couple to a washer;   a backflow prevention apparatus comprising:
 a housing secured to the pipe; 
 a first one-way valve coupled to the housing, with the first one-way valve comprising a first cross-slit; and 
   a second one-way valve coupled to the housing and spaced from the first one-way valve, with the second one-way valve comprising a second cross-slit,   the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve being configured to allow fluid flow, through the housing, in a first direction and prevent flow of suds, foam, gas, or combinations thereof in a second direction opposite the first direction.   
     
     
         8 . The backflow prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the first cross-slit and the second cross slit are oriented at an angle relative to one another. 
     
     
         9 . The backflow prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve each comprise a flexible material that permits bending in the first direction and substantially prevents bending in the second direction. 
     
     
         10 . The backflow prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the pipe comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, and the backflow prevention apparatus is secured to the pipe between the first pipe section and the second pipe section.